Rumble CEO Flees Europe After Telegram’s Pavel Durov Arrest Sparks Controversy

August 26, 2024

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Chris Pavlovski, the founder and CEO of Rumble, a video-sharing platform popular among conservatives, has announced that he has left Europe following the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov.

Pavlovski expressed his concerns on X, noting the growing tension between his platform and European authorities. He stated that France had “threatened Rumble” and “crossed a red line” by arresting Durov. His remarks reflect the ongoing strain between Rumble and European nations, particularly after Rumble’s decision to block access to French users in November 2022.

Legal Challenge Ahead?

The platform took this action in response to what it described as French government demands to remove certain Russian news sources. At the time, Rumble asserted it would challenge these demands legally.

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Pavlovski has been vocal about his platform’s stance against censorship, pointing out that Rumble has faced pressure not only from European countries but also from Russia. In May, he revealed that Russia had blocked access to Rumble after the platform refused to comply with censorship demands. This defiance underscores Rumble’s positioning as a platform “immune to cancel culture,” attracting users who feel other social media platforms, like Meta and Google, are too restrictive.

No Info on Current Location

Although Pavlovski did not disclose his current location after leaving Europe, his departure signifies the heightened risks for tech leaders who resist governmental pressures. Rumble has not issued any further comments regarding Pavlovski’s departure or the situation with France.

Durov Arrested

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested by French authorities on August 24 at Paris–Le Bourget Airport. His arrest, which has drawn widespread attention, was based on a warrant issued by France’s judicial police.

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Reports suggest the investigation into Durov stems from allegations that Telegram has failed to cooperate with law enforcement and has not adequately moderated illegal activities on its platform, including child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, fraud, and terrorism.

Telegram has stated that it fully complies with European Union laws and the ongoing improvements in its content moderation practices. The company stated that its moderation efforts are “within industry standards and constantly improving.”

Telegram also defended Durov, insisting that he “has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe,” dismissing claims that the platform or its founder could be held responsible for criminal activities conducted by users.

As the situation develops, French authorities are expected to release an official statement on Durov’s arrest on August 26. This year, Telegram’s The Open Network (TON blockchain) has witnessed massive growth, surpassing $600 million in TVL as of June.